Translating these themes into actions, what are our immediate priorities?

Clubhouse

We should take a long hard look at our existing clubhouse, seeking to bring forward ideas for improvement, along with their associated indicative costs.

We do have our own clubhouse, albeit it with its limitations and shortcomings. Absent any clear and firm commitment from Edinburgh Council as to the long term future of the marina and the on-shore facilities (and this could be the situation even if a clear decision is taken NOT to pursue the currently ongoing site redevelopment discussions), any major Clubhouse expenditure on our part – even if permission could be obtained for such a development – would be risky.

If this situation continues to prevail, then along with the other tenants at Port Edgar (including Edinburgh Leisure), it makes sense for us to press our case with the Council – in an effort to get them to lift the planner’s blight that has so bedevilled the site over the years.

In these circumstances, and until we can plan for the longer term future with some confidence, we would be unwise to spend our hard won funds on any major new buildings initiative. Incurring development costs, such as Architect’s fees, would seem to risk frittering away our funds.

In summary, as long as we do have a functioning/adequate clubhouse and don’t have clarity and confidence as to what the future holds for the site, we should:

• Hold off making major financial commitments (whether to a new build or a major upgrade of an existing building).
• Work closely with Edinburgh Leisure - Looking for the right opportunity to push forward our long term aspirations.

In the short term, we should continue to make cost effective improvements to our existing clubhouse.

Given the overall context in which we’re operating, a modest expenditure on, in and around the existing clubhouse, looks sensible and practical.

Such expenditure could include, for example, a better laid out and insulated back half of the building, a more open and brighter front end, some new or nearly new furniture to replace the worst of what we have at present and a sitting out area tucked in to the west side of the building.

Racing

Continue to review and redesign, as appropriate, our racing courses and our starts – seeking to make best use of the open waters around us and of the work boat we now own.

Dinghies

Review how, when and where we run our dinghy races – with a view to encouraging and promoting keen racing whilst still making sensible use of our resources

Safety

Continue to champion safety and do more to support/promote it in a practical way.

Renewal

Create a refreshed focus on training and development – aiming particularly at helping newcomers and beginners move easily and safely into club cruising and racing. Amongst other things, this would embrace working closely with the sailing school, creating an effective transition from sailing school to PEYC and exploring with them the possibilities of better, mutually beneficial pooling/sharing of resources.

Membership.

To promote membership, monitor joining subscriptions and set to facilitate new entrants.

Finances

Monitor and review, as appropriate, our income and expenditure …..and our use of club funds – in order to ensure we’re operating efficiently and striking the right balance between present and future spending.

Communication (internal and external)

Create a communications ‘focus’ on the Main Committee - with a view to better promoting the club to the outside world and better and better engaging members within the club.

The Social side

Enjoying each other’s company is an integral part of a well run sailing club. We should therefore continue to promote a varied and active social life in the club.